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This page is specifically made to clarify and specify the differences between the many species usually known as merfolk: species that usually have little to no relationship between themselves and that, nonetheless, seem to be associated with ech other as if there was any connection between them, at least in common knowledge. More shall be explained about these beings in their own individual entries:
Species/Beings: This list will be used to show the specific species and beings who are usually considered as related to the merfolk or who are thought of as actual merfolk, but showing what they actually are outside of normal folklore. The most normally recognized form of Sirenia beings. Usually recognizable as humanoid from the waist up, but having a fish-like tail from the waist down, although this isn't necessarily universal. Certain subspecies may appear as humanoid from the wasit down and fish-like from the waist up, and yet another supspecies seem to mix equally amphibous, fish-like attributes with humanoid ones. May posses magic or wish-granting abilities, and it is said that some of them can cause storms when angry. May also possess mesmeric voices. Appear as female entities with bird-like wings and talons, who use their beautiful voices to lure sailors to them as a way to eventually kill them and devour them. It is said that they can turn into normal mermaids when they want, though if this is true or not, it isn't clearly known yet. Entities from the japanese lore that appear more like a cross between a fish and a monkey with golden scales. Eating their flesh is said to grant longevity, but catching them and angering them can cause storms and disasters. Similar to the depictions of normal merfolk as males and females humanoid with non-human lower bodies, but instead of fish-like, Cecaelia have tentacles instead of feet. Some of them, specifically the females, may have two long tentacles, but more commonly they have between 8 and ten tentacles. Reptilian entities usually associated with the water, and more commonly depicted as snake-like or humanoids with snake bodies. Nagas are actually an species unrelated to all ther sirenia, and to water in general: while some of them do live on aquatic mediums, they have simply either adapted or built their civilizations so as to be able to hold them while under an aquatic medium. There is a belief that some of them might not even belong to this world (see the creatures known as "Reptilians"). An special case among supposed merfolk, as not only are Rusalki and Vodianoy very dangerous, they are actually two forms of the same species: The Rusalki, are ethereal figures manifesting as women (typically undressed, but at times may manifest in alluring attire) who seduce mortals and lead them to lakes, where the Vodianoy, who manifest as male creatures and monsters of greenish-black skin and frog-like attributes along with flaming eyes, devour them for sustenance. It is believed that the Rusalki are mere representations of the Vodianoy's mind, made to allure the preys that the Vodianoy eats, anda s such they are simply one and the same being. It is also said that there are male Rusalki (as in, Rusalki manifesting as men), but it is unknown if this is true. Djinns associated with water, that may alternative between a more humanoid form or a form resembling a particular species, and a second form resembling grayish-blue skinned entity who seems to be perpetually submerged in water. Nymphs and spirits that preside over the different kinds of waters, specially over those of divine springs and the like. Given the nature of Nymphs, they can be considered extremely minor Goddesses, at least to a degree: or at least the more powerful of them can. Spirits from the african lore that manifest as mermaids, usually benevolent and with the ability to both heal the phsyical body and act as intermediaries with the world of the spirits. May be related to the Mami Wata. A god known as Jengu is said to be their leader at times. Similar to a degree to the Jengu, being a collective of different water deities and spirits. Usually depicted as beautiful women with unnatural beauty and long hair, along with a paler skin than usual in african regions, usually accompanied by snakes that cover her up. Despite sometimes appearing as humanoid, they never are human, and they may change their lower body to a fish-like or snake-like tail. They are usually shown having riches along with their bueaty, and may take other creatures, mostly men, with themselves to their paradisiacal realms. This implies they aren't from this world at all (unlike other forms of mermaid-like beings,who usually are more physical and may also inhabit this world). Usually they may return the man if a pact is amde with them, but if the pact is broken, they may bring misfortune to the being. Benevolent counterparts to the Rusalki in most myths, although in reent years considered more of home and hearth goddesses not unlike Vesta. Maybe both. Mermaid-like entities from gaelic lore, usually of benevolent disposition and willing to marry mortal men, but always end up returning to the sea. Aquatic entities who can shed their form and appearence to reveal a new one, usually of a different species, and return to their other forms through reabsorbing their old "skin", putting it back on as it if were a mere outfit. Usually seen looking as seals, but may change into humans and other entities with ease, adquiring some of the abilities of the species to a degree. Due to their seeming relationship with the Kadmonites, it is believed they originated as an off-shoot species that was affected by magic during its development, but others believe it is merely because the selkies of this world are merely more usd to Kadmonite forms, and those of other forms may use vastly different ones. They aren't known for being dangerous by nature, but a few have shownt o be quite formidable threats at times. Rather than an actual species, the Undines are merely spirits created form the magical essences in the water, representing the varied forms the water cnan take, its strengths and power, and many other aspects. Typically shown as mermaids, but aren't actually made of solid matter: their bodies are simply water held together by magic, and appears accordingly as the shape of female entities made out of normal, liquid water. Different kinds of entities with relationship with the water, well-known in the traditions of germanic and scandinavian peoples. They include:
- Nøkken or Fossegrim: Attractive and beautiful male water spirits, appearing either dressed or undressed, and with a violin in hand. They play muusic that is enthralling and beautiful, and may cause those who listen regardless of gender who near him and fall in love, but they may accidentally drown in the water from which they appears. Said music is said to be particularly stronger in women or children,a dn even moreso in pregnant women and ubaptized children, but these seem to be more of a myth. Mostly seen in the scandinavian regions.
- Nixies: Spirits of water that lure preys to the water to easily devour them. The males usually take the forms of animals, specially immaculate white horses; while the females take the form of seductive females with beautiful voices who are also known as the Rhine Maidens. May be related to the Rusalki/Vodianoy. Mostly appear in the germanic regions.
Water entities that may take the form of dragons, usually found in Sussex, England. Supernatural creatures that take the form of horses, and once someone tries to ride them, make their own skin become adhesive to take them to the water, drown them and eat them. Not very pleasant to find. Found mostly thruogh Scotland and Ireland, and may be related to the Nixies from Germany. Creatures that live in the depths of the ocean, and mostly look frog-like. They can exist outside the water and above the surface, and even have hyrid children with humans and other beings, who may not present any strange traits until a certain age, usually in their middle age. Theya re known to be functionally immortal, and to venerate entities such as Cthulhu, Father Dagon and Mother Hydra (the last two of whom may be part of the species itself).
Individuals: This list will be used to identify specificexamples of individuals thought of as belonging to merfolks while not truly being so, or not necesarily. They may belong to any of the aforementioned species or bbe different beings altogether that have been altered due to folklore. A particularly sadistic and cruel Rhine Maiden. Created when a young woman of the same name committed suicide by jumping from the rock that now has the name Lorelei, the Rhine Maiden was born when the woman, filled with rage and grief over an unfaithful lover, took her own life. While it is possible that the sense of self or psyche left the body after her death (or merely decayed and fragmented until there was no consciousness), what remained tied to the bodyw as a cluster of negative emotions. Her body was discovered and devoured by a Rhine Maiden not long afterwards, but the emotional cluster eventually took over her, transforming her body to a supernatural facsimile of the mortal body of the woman, while the soul of the Rhine Maidenw as consumed and assimilated by the emotional cluster, its consciousness altered to fit the needs of the cluster. she has proved to be dangerous and strong, and wishes nothing but destruction and pain for every living being, especially humans and animals whom she sees no difference of (a common trait seen in most entities who aren't Kadmonites). A powerful water goddess also known as Derketo, worshipped in the region now known as Syria. She might be related to or be an aspect of Anath, Astarte or Asherah. Usually depicted as a goddes with a fish-like lower body, and is thought of as the mother of the Queen Semiramis. Daughter of Pressyne (a faeric entity) and Elynas (a mortal king of what is now known as Scotland) and sister to Melior and Palatyne, said to be some kind of faeric entity who was cursed to have her legs become a snake-like tail every saturday. After an argument with a mortal husband, Melusine transformed fully into a dragon, who had to leave her husband and children. It is thought that her descendants, if there are any living decedants by now, may possess a similar or identical trait. Sister to Alexander the Great, who became mad with grief and killed herself, but her spirit became a mermaid-like being. Kills anyone who says that Alexander the Great is dead. A Goddess ruler of the underworld and over the seas and sea animals. It is believed by some that she originally was a mortal woman whose father, due to various reasons (and with different versions about the circumstances) threw from a kayak into the sea, and as she tried to get back on it, he severed her fingers. She eventually fell and became queen of the underworld, while her severed fingers transformed into marine animals. The reality behind Sedna's existence is so far unknown, but it is known she's powerful and, while at times helpful or calmed, can be rather itter and dangerous at times. Queen of Water Spirits and Javanese waters, an specific being of such power and control over water that she is said be a Queen of the Seas. A seductress that likes to lure people into her aquatic kingdom. Once a mortal woman, she drowned at the sea and eventually became a powerful spirit of the sea, embodying its darker natures.
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